Leadership

At Holderness leadership is integrated into every aspect of our culture; we provide grade-level appropriate curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to apply learning in real time, in real conditions, in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances for all four years of a Holderness education.

We teach kids to step forward with courage, humility, and endurance so that they can transform their own lives and work for the betterment of humankind.

It works, too. Our graduates start companies, perform research, direct national programs, and win prestigious awards. Our graduates also nurture their families, love and steward their local ecosystems, care about and serve their neighbors, handle personal crises with confidence, and approach the challenges and joys of their lives with open minds.

The experiential learning programs highlighted below give a good representation of the kind of journey our kids are on. Keep in mind, however, that our young pathfinders are taught to make their own way; every path is unique.

"Holderness student leaders...do what is necessary to get the job done; they can recognize, appreciate, and respect individual differences while acting for the good of the whole community; they are compassionate and caring; they have your respect and can maintain it; they are those upon whom you think authority should be placed." -- The Holderness School Student Handbook

Rapping During Artward Bound

Hiking on Out Back

Girls on the Softball Team Cheering on Their Teammates

Our School President Speaking During Commencement

Breaking Trail During Out Back

Setting Tables for Dinners, One of the Many Jobs Students Perform Through the Job Program

List of 1 items.

Academics

Out Back

Out Back is a challenging, ten-day winter camping experience for 11th graders, that teaches leadership, team-building, and wilderness survival skills. Click here to learn more about this life-changing program.

List of 1 items.

Academics

Outdoor Education

From Outdoor Chapel to science labs on Squam Lake, we believe students should be outside, participating in hands-on activities. Learn about all the opportunities Holderness offers to students that get them out in nature.

List of 1 items.

Academics

Project Outreach

Every March, 9th graders travel to Philadelphia for a 10-day leadership experience during which they volunteer in the Fairmount Parks, at the St. Barnabas Mission, and at Philabundance. Click here to learn why service is so important to us.

List of 1 items.

Student Life

Clubs

At Holderness students pursue music, creative writing, outdoor interests, environmental and social activism and other interests through our many clubs. Learn more about our students' passions and interests below.

List of 1 items.

Academics

Artward Bound

Every March during Special Programs, our 10th graders participate in a 10-day work with visiting musicians, dancers, visual artists, and poets. Click here to learn more about the program and to see pictures from this past year.